In
1791, when founder Jeremy Belknap set out to gather contributions for
the Massachusetts Historical Society, he envisioned the MHS as a research
library, full of "books, pamphlets, manuscripts, maps or plans." However,
he was also interested in developing a "cabinet", or museum-like collection
space, for natural and man-made "curiosities" that could help the public
understand American history.

In
response to his request for contributions for the MHS, he received a
number of such curiosities, including ostrich eggs, "a very large Flamingo,"
foreign coins, a bundle of palm leaves, and a fish hook made from a
bone of Captain Cook brought back from the Sandwich Islands. Over the
years, the MHS has focused on the collection, care, and publication
of manuscripts, donating many of its natural history or foreign "oddities"
to more appropriate institutions. Nonetheless, the building still is
filled with unusual and interesting items that we want to share with
you.

"From
Our Cabinet" serves as the Massachusetts Historical Society's online
showcase for some of these materials. Visit this site each month for
a new example of the treasures in our collection!